MARRIED TO MY BEST FRIEND.

The morning sun of autumn, even hidden behind the clouds, peeks through the windows of the charming cottage in Hallstatt, painting the room with soft, golden hues. The much-awaited day has finally arrived: the interview at the Lockwood Art Museum in Vienna. My hands are trembling with nervousness. I sit down as I watch the carefully chosen clothes spread out on the bed, yet I remain undecided on which one to wear. I've spent days planning every detail, and now it's time to prepare myself for the journey to the big city.

This is an opportunity I can't afford to miss, and I am determined to make a good impression.

I rise from the bed and make my way to the bathroom, where a relaxing bath awaits me. I discard my pajamas into the laundry basket and step into the shower. Turning on the faucet, the warm water starts to flow over my body, washing away the built-up tension. Ever since I applied, I've been studying and reviewing everything I learned in college, as well as the courses I've taken. I know I need to be confident for the interview, and the feeling of freshness after the shower helps calm my nerves.

After stepping out of the shower, I wrap myself in a soft towel and cross the room, but upon glancing at the bed, I realize that none of the options appeal to me. I walk over to my wardrobe, open it, and my eyes are immediately drawn to it: an elegant navy-blue dress that fits me perfectly. I bought it especially for an important occasion, and I believe it's the right choice for this moment. Wearing it, I'll convey professionalism and confidence.

Carefully, I put on the dress, feeling it mold to every curve. Then, I spend some time admiring my reflection in the mirror. My curly brown hair cascades over my shoulders, and I decide to leave it loose, just giving it a touch of definition with a bit of spray. I apply light, natural makeup, enhancing my features without appearing overdone. I grab my coat and my purse, where I had already placed a copy of my resume and some important notes the night before. I open the door to the room, but before stepping out, my gaze turns to the stunning landscape stretching beyond the windows. Hallstatt, the picturesque town by the lake, will always be my refuge and source of inspiration. I know my home will always be here, but now, I need to move forward.

The clock on the bedside table announces it's time to leave. I adjust my dress, make sure everything is in place, and head to the living room. There, a simple breakfast is already prepared, but my nerves make me realize I'm not hungry.

“Good morning, my princess,” Grandma says, entering the room with a cake in her hands.

I look at her smiling, walk up to her, and give her a kiss. Since I was little, when I felt sad, I would run into Grandma's arms. Her lap always calmed me like no one else.

“Good morning, Grandma.”

“Sit down and have a hearty breakfast before you go.”

“I'm not hungry, Grandma.”

“Nonsense, sit down and eat. The journey is long.”

“Alright,” I say, taking my bag off my shoulder and placing it on a chair next to me, along with my coat. I sit down and pour myself a cup of coffee.

Grandma puts a piece of cake on the plate in front of me. I take a bite and start eating...

“Wow!” I exclaim, covering my mouth. She looks at me and smiles. “It's delicious, Grandma,” I say after chewing.

“I made it especially for you,” she smiles, returning to her meal. “So, how will it be when you get there?”

“I'll have the interview, and if all goes well, I'll be living with Leila.”

“Melinda Mitchell's daughter?”

“Yeah, she works at the museum and she helped me a lot. Leila said she spoke about me to the museum owner, and he himself called me for the interview.”

“She said that?”

“Yeah, but of course, I also sent out several resumes.”

“Look, you know I don't like those people. That girl isn't one to help others. We know that family only does something expecting something in return, and besides, she always likes to keep her things to herself.”

Flashback on.

The alarm clock rings, announcing the long-awaited day. I can hardly believe that the time has finally come to pay for the pre-university course. I open the drawer where I kept the money, the result of my savings and Grandma's help. It's all there, counted and organized.

“Today's the day. I'll secure my spot in the prep course,” I say, smiling and then start coughing.

I take a deep breath, and I've been like this for a few days now. A stubborn and persistent fever embraces me as I descend the stairs, and Grandma approaches, placing her hand on my forehead.

“What's this, child? You're burning up. Go take a shower and then to bed! I'll make something warm for you to drink,” she says, turning away.

“Grandma, today's the day I pay for my prep course. I need to go,” I say and start coughing, throwing myself on the couch.

“You're not going anywhere, princess!”

She insists that I stay home, that I take care of myself. I resist, but she manages to convince me.

“Grandma, please, take care of the money. I'll ask Leila to take it to the prep course teacher. I can't miss the registration,” My grandmother agrees, and I get up, going to the phone to call my friend.

As soon as I spoke to Leila, she volunteered to help me. I trust her, after all, we've been friends since childhood.

∞••••♥••••∞

“Relax, friend. I'll drop this off there and be back in no time. You'll be fine,” I smile and accompany her to the door.

“Thanks, Lê, I don't know what I'd do without you,” I say, and she smiles, turning and heading towards the gate.

I enter and throw myself on the couch, curling up on it and turning on the TV.

Days later...

My grandmother was approached by the teacher, demanding payment that, according to him, was not made.

“Grandma, I asked Leila to deliver it. The money was with her!” I say confused.

My grandmother tries to explain it to me, but I don't understand. Leila has always been reliable, at least until now. I go to the phone and call Leila, who answers on the second ring.

“Leila, the teacher is demanding payment from Grandma. What happened?” I ask, and the response doesn't come.

“Ava, I... I lost the money.”

“What?” Incredulous, I question, not believing what I'm hearing. “How could you lose it? That's not possible!”

Leila tries to justify, explaining that she was afraid to tell, but her words don't lessen the impact of the revelation.

“You couldn't have just told me? It was my future at stake, Leila!” I say furiously.

“Forgive me, friend, but I was so scared, that's why I didn't tell you.”

“Leila, that was wrong, you've harmed me! Why didn't you tell me sooner? We would have figured something out and paid. And now? What am I going to do?”

“I know, Ava. I messed up everything,” she says, crying on the phone, and I sigh and hang up.

My grandmother, upon learning the truth, mixes indignation and sadness, takes me by the hand, and we go to Leila's house, which is three houses down from ours. The lost money was not just an amount; it was my dream slipping through my fingers.

“How could you do this, Leila? I trusted you!” I say, sad and holding back tears. “You should have told us, we would have found out anyway.”

“If you had told us, Leila, I would have paid for the course,” my grandmother says.

“It was a mistake, Ava and Grandma. I should have told you earlier,” she says between sobs, her words losing strength.

“Now there's nothing we can do, I just have to make up for it. These things happen, even I could have lost the money myself,” I say, sighing.

“I'm sorry!” she says, and I hug her.

“Let's put this behind us and move forward.”

Leila smiles, wiping away the tears, and then Grandma and I return home.

“I can't shake the feeling that this story isn't adding up. I'm sure she didn't lose the money at all, and out of anger or jealousy towards you, she didn't pay the teacher. We know she wanted to take this course, and since she couldn't, and you could, she did this out of spite.”

“Of course not, Grandma! Leila is my friend.”

“Only if she's a friend from hell,” she says as soon as we enter the house, heading to the back porch, leaving me alone in the living room.

Flashback off.

Grandma has always been suspicious of Leila, ever since my money went missing when I was a teenager. We never forgot that small loss, but I let it go and understood that she could have actually lost the money and not stolen it as Grandma thinks.

“What's that, Grandma! Leila and I have known each other since we were kids. We planned together to work at the Lockwood Art Museum and agreed that if one of us got in first, we'd recommend the other,” I say, taking another sip of my coffee.

“Oh, and it's been three years since she's been there.”

“Grandma, she couldn't recommend me earlier. We know she needs to have the boss's trust for that.”

“Hmm, I see! That girl doesn't fool me. She only gets close to you to drain you or to take advantage of all the good things that happen to you.”

“Yuck, Grandma!” I say, looking at my watch. “I need to go, it's a long way to Vienna from here.” I wipe my mouth with the napkin and get up from the table.

“Girl, you didn't even eat properly!”

“I'm nervous, Grandma, I can't. But the coffee was delicious,” I comment as I rush to my room to brush my teeth.

When I return to the living room, Grandma is clearing the table.

“I'm leaving, Grandma. Wish me luck!” I say, and she puts the cup she was holding on the table, approaches, and hugs me.

“You don't need luck, my love. Everything's already worked out. Just trust yourself,” she says, stepping back. “Go safely, and may God guide your path, protecting you.”

“Amen and thank you, Grandma,” I say, kissing her cheek and smiling, grabbing my bag from the chair. I grab the car keys from the sideboard and open the door.

“Thanks for the coffee, Grandma! It was really delicious. And thank you for trying to make me feel calm.”

“Stop flattering me and go already, girl! Otherwise, I'll melt like butter.”

“It's not flattery, Granny, you've always been by my side in tough times. Your strength motivates me every day and encourages me,” Grandma hugs me affectionately.

“My princess, I'll always believe in you. Now go and shine!” She says, and I step back smiling, blow her a kiss, and leave.